Renters opt for smaller and smaller apts. in District

WASHINGTON (AP) — If you rent an apartment in the District of Columbia and you feel like the walls are closing in on you, it may not be just your imagination.

Renters in the District are increasingly opting for smaller apartments. The Harper complex in Northwest Washington, for instance, is made up completely of apartments ranging from 350 to 600 square feet. The units go for $1,800 a month or more, but are 90 percent full since leasing began in January.

The Washington Post reports (http://wapo.st/1r8nlxb ) that data from research firm Delta Associates shows developers are building 45 percent fewer two-bedroom apartments now than they were in 2000.

Renters who live in the micro-units say they are glad to give up some elbow room to afford a prime location.

___

Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.